Thursday 28
Enjoy a Bavarian-style festival: In the UAE, maybe we don’t have the same seasonal euphoria as those living in cooler climes, but the onset of spring is still a good opportunity for a knees up. With this in mind, Le Méridien is hosting a two-day German-style Springfest, where you’ll be able to enjoy a Bavarian band, authentic grub and foaming steins of hoppy draughts.
Dhs130 for adults, Dhs65 for children. From 7pm. Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area (02 644 6666)
Become twice as nice: Ask any urban music fan in the UK what the country’s best night is, and there’s a fair chance Twice As Nice will be the answer. Find out why R&B and hip hop fans love the brand so much when it hits Rush Bar at The Yas Hotel tonight. Dhs50 before midnight, Dhs100 after, ladies and cabin crew free before midnight.
Rush Bar, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island (02 656 0000)
Taste some salsa: Not the type you heap up on tortilla chips – we’re talking about the fiery Latin dance moves. The Abu Dhabi Salsa Festival is your perfect opportunity to get involved, with workshops and demonstrations taking place across the city throughout this weekend.
Dhs175-Dhs390. www.abudhabi-salsafestival.com (050 692 3421)
Eat sushi, save a nation: If you’re a true sushi fan, you’ll be well aware that the country responsible for the delicious fishy stuff has had a hard time of late. You can help out by booking your spot at Soba’s charity dinner tonight. You choose the price you pay, 100 per cent of which goes to the Japanese Red Cross. Just be aware that if you choose to pay nothing you’re technically inhuman. Also tomorrow.
Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020)
Friday 29
See Shakira storm it: When she played at Emirates Palace a couple of years back, the place went absolutely bonkers. Now that her profile is even bigger, expect Yas Island to be one big frenzy of shimmying hips and impromptu dance moves when Shakira returns for her second show in the city tonight, joined by Egyptian pop legend Amr Diab.
Dhs250-595. Doors open 6pm. Yas Arena, www.timeouttickets.com
Discover Russian theatre: Tonight is your final chance to catch Resuscitation Theatre’s stripped down adaptation of classic Chekhov play The Seagull, a moving tale of love-struck artists. It’s being performed by a group of young, local thespians, so head down for your chance to catch a star or two in the making.
Dhs50. 7pm. The Village, One to One Hotel (02 4952 000)
Raise a toast to Will and Kate: You may well be aware that the heir to the British throne, Prince William, is getting hitched today in London. Although Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, HH Sheikh Mohammed, is on the guest list, we very much doubt you’ve been invited to Westminster Abbey to watch the nuptials. You can still get involved by heading to Abu Dhabi Golf Club, where a British-themed brunch will be marking the royal event of the decade.
Dhs265. Noon-4pm. Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl (02 558 8990)
Sample some home grown produce: Masdar City is holding its first monthly farmers’ market today, where you can stock up on organic fruit and veg and take part in tours of this hi-tech, eco-friendly city that’s taking shape on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi.
Free. 10am-5pm. Masdar City, near Abu Dhabi Airport. www.masdar.ae
Saturday 30
Worship the ’80s: If you’ve got enough enthusiasm for ’80s pop hits – even if you were still in nappies when Boy George first belted out Karma Chameleon – head to Eight Restaurant and Bar’s Eightyluscious night for cut-priced beverages from 8pm until midnight.
Free. Eight Restaurant and Bar (02 558 1988)
Buy Arabian: Clothes and abayas, silks and shawls, cashmere, embroidery, paintings, artefacts, and just about anything else you need to give your home, kitchen or closet an Arabian touch all under one roof (well, a couple of roofs). The Arab Market 2011 shopping exhibition is here, and open until May 7. Go forth and be localised.
5pm-midnight, until May 7. Adnec, Khaleej Al Arabi Street (800 23632)
Invade the oceans: More than 70 per cent of the earth is covered with water, and what this means is you have no idea what most of the planet looks like. Unless you scuba, of course. And if you don’t, the Hiltonia Beach Club at Hilton Abu Dhabi has started taking names for its April PADI certified classes.
Prices TBA. Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900)
Smash a plate of ribs: Unleash your caveman-esque carniverous spirits at Belgian Café tonight, where you can eat as many ribs as you like for only Dhs120. You could prove you’re a true Neanderthal by crunching the bones as well, but you might get a few odd looks as well as an expensive dental bill.
Dhs120. Belgian Café, InterContinental Abu Dhabi (02 666 6888)
Sunday 1
Watch a ‘six pointer’: They say championship deciding football matches are worth double points. Although it’s not technically true, as Arsenal’s English Premier League match against Man United could decide who wins the league, we can see where they’re coming from.
6pm. Abu Dhabi Sports
Study art while sipping coffee: Plush new lounging spot Café Arabia is the setting for the latest exhibition by the Abu Dhabi Art Squad, a group of excellently talented painters, sculptors and mixed media artists. The artists should be mingling about throughout the day, so why not see if you can strike a deal over a hot brew.
Café Arabia (050 681 5520)
Learn Arabic: Granted, the capital can be comfortably navigated in English, but if not for its utilitarian value, then learn Arabic for appreciation. Head to Iqra’a Arabic Teaching Centre for lessons on everything from calligraphy to speech. Starting Dhs600, first lesson is free for new students.
Airport Road near Delma Street (02 446 7220).
Stuff yourself with tapas: Head along to Pearls & Caviar tonight, where you can enjoy a set tapas menu for Dhs195 with selected mixed drinks and beverages thrown in.
7pm-11pm. Pearls & Caviar, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8888)
Monday 2
Party with fellow hoteliers: What with those long hours and demanding guests, the city’s hard working hotel workers definitely need to let their hair down now and again. And at Relax@12, you can do just the above as hoteliers get 50 per cent off house beverages all evening.
From 8pm-2am. Relax@12, Aloft Hotel, Adnec (02 654 5128)
See the exploits of a Nordic deity: Thor 3D – a tale about a Scandinavian warrior who is banished from the realm of Gods – hits the movie screens this week. Starring Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins, and directed by Kenneth Branagh, it might well be a cut above your average dumb Hollywood blockbuster movie.
Splash some ’70s: Do you wake up in the morning and feel that your home could use more colour? Is it orange? Bhs have a new line of black and orange scribble floral bedding and statement lighting. The tangerine dream is here!
Bhs Home Store, Hamdan Street (02 621 1242), Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 8400)
Throw a right hook: Although repeatedly punching meat carcasses might have worked for Rocky, if you want to really become a skilful boxer, try this class at the Beach Club.
Dhs35 for members, Dhs40 for non-members. 6.30pm. Beach Rotana Hotel (02 697 9000)
Tuesday 3
Become a legend of the airwaves: Think you have the personality and voice to become a world famous radio DJ? Well this afternoon, Flash Entertainment is running a course in radio presenting and producing.
www.facebook.com/thinkflash
Drive your husband chipping mad: Does hubby go golfing without inviting you along? Would you like to teach him a lesson? The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s midweek group coaching for ladies will team you up with a couple of professionals who will empower your swing. Dhs380 per month per person for groups of four to 12.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (02 557 8000)
Eat like a Maharaja: With all the curry menus in the capital you might find it difficult to pick a favourite; you won’t have to at Rangoli. Tuesdays serve up a choice of four curries (of 15 available) with bread and popadom, pilao or steamed rice for just under Dhs100. Go and binge.
Dhs99 per person, Dhs139 including brews. Yas Island Rotana (02 656 4000)
Giggle at gags: Though the Hamdan Street shows are generally busier, the Laughter Factory comedy nights on Yas Island are still fun. Head to Stills tonight, where Irishman Ian Coppingger is the pick of the bill.
Dhs130. From 9pm. Crowne Plaza Yas Island, www.timeouttickets.com
Wednesday 4
Learn about Islam: What is Islamic modernity? Expert Shahab Ahmed will be at Manarat Al Saadiyat this evening to explain how the modern age of Islam differs from what preceded it.
Free. 6.30pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 657 5900)
Cheer for Barcelona! To Barcelona’s great dismay, Adriano will be hopping on the bleachers today; our thigh muscles being in perfect condition, we’ll be jumping and yelling at the screen. Head to Stills and catch the FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Champions League semi final tonight.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island (02 656 3000)
Gawp at models: It’s ‘Models Night Out’ at Eight tonight – a dubious experiment in hospitality, whereby investing in a bottle of beverage secures a limited amount of attention from a small flock of under-nourished lovelies. Sure, you’ll feel more than a little hollow in the morning, but while it lasts, you’ll be basically invincible.
From 9pm (02 558 1988)
Sink a pint, score a goal: Sick of playing video games on a tiny screen? You’re in luck – the folks at NRG have just set up an Xbox and projector, which you can get to grips with while you quaff your evening brew. It’s free for the first 30 minutes, too.
Le Méridien (02 644 6666)
